2021 AUCD Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity

November 22, 2021

The AUCD Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity is presented to an Association member or group in recognition of:

• their exhibited leadership and commitment to advancing programs and practices aimed toward increasing the diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies (in curriculum, services, supports, research, and recruitment) within a Center and the AUCD network as a whole
• exemplary programs and practices addressing the areas of diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies (in curriculum, services, supports, research, and recruitment) within a Center and the AUCD network as a whole
• significant contributions in furthering the cause of diversity understanding for the needs of families seeking disability services.

 

Oyáte Circle

The Oyá te Circle, which began in 2017, was developed in an effort to provide resources, training, education, and outreach to Native Americans with disabilities across the nine reservation communities in South Dakota. Named after the Lakota word for "the people," the Oyáte Circle conducts a wide variety of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Native Americans with disabilities. These efforts have been critical in building bridges, relationships, and collaboration to ensure the most underserved and underrepresented populations in the country have a voice on matters important to them. Tribal members have the highest rate of disability in the country, and disability rates are increased due to poverty and isolation in South Dakota. The relationships fostered by Oyáte Circle have allowed the Center for Disabilities to expand its services which ensure inclusion and representation across our statem.